On Awareness, Iran, and the Perils of Apathy

My take on why we should all care about Iran.

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Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• iran
• elections
• politics
• awareness
• activism
• nerdfighters
• john green
• discourse
• empathy
• apathy

[solaraine]

I care about what happens in other countries, regardless of any religion. But the U.S. does not have the right to play world police just because we happen to think our lifestyle is better than others. The U.S. should not get involved. There's nothing we could do in this situation. To think we can is silliness and a very narrow view of involvement in world affairs.

[shessomickey]

What I'm talking about is beyond countries or political affiliations -- I want to see people caring about people, and trying to lend support where it's warranted, in a selfless and agenda-free way.

[solaraine]

While I agree with this statement, I'm wondering how you see it being carried out. In what way have Iranians asked us to lend support, other than understand their discontent with the rigged election? I can understand and empathize with them, but beyond that, I don't know what can be done. I'd love a world with no borders, where everyone lives in harmony...but....that will probably never happen unfortunately.

[shessomickey]

If you mean 'we' as in Americans, particularly those of us with no particular political power, I support expressions of solidarity (wristbands, Twitter messages, YouTube videos, etc.) as important displays of support for those who are actually in danger over this debacle. Writing to politicians to voice our concerns is also an option.

Again, I am simply justifying caring in the first place. I am neither a political activist nor a strategist; I'm just expressing my hope that we all care more.

[lalkidar]

@shessomickey Its good to know that people care about each other and Internet is one of the blessing of our generation.. none the less the conventional media is still there and the reason i am very skeptic about this is why today so many ordinary citizens of America worried about the subject .. is it because it is so much in the news .. It could very well be that people were always worried about it and now there is Internet and we can hear ordinary people more often...

[shessomickey]

@lalkidar As people, we have a vested interest in the lives of each other. We are not just citizens of our home or town or state or country, but of the entire world. There's no room for selfishness, anymore, and it's in all of our best interest to care about the lives of one another. Caring does not mean invading or occupying or fighting, like governments think it does, but simply thinking about and helping improve the human needs and civil rights of others.

[lalkidar]

I find myself agreeing with most things you say, however I don't know why is Iran So important today for Americans citizens .Please just clarify if you can why today it is so important that alot of American citizen (not the Government ) like your self and Hank and John,are so worried / concerned about Iran...

[11on11on11]

"Wisdom is meaningless until our own experience has given it meaning."

[whiff1962]

The notion of self is contigent. It is a tautology of what you say.

[shessomickey]

I understand. Thanks for the suggestion.